Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX 11-16 F2.8  reviews

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: JimmyMelbourne   review date: April-28-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

400 CHF

positive:

Built like a tank, very solid
Flexible tool, very unlike other lenses

negative:

Distortion takes some getting used to, not used to shooting with UWA
Not sure how much I will use it
Expected it to perform a little better in lower light situations

comment:

Paid a good price for it so expectations not so high, and have not used it to its full potential yet, still learning how to use UWA. This seems like a great lens offering a lot of flexibility. Seems better around f4 and higher.

sharpness: 5 

color: 3 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: mrggt   review date: April-13-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 10-20mm

price paid:

£300 used

positive:

good sharpness, good build,
good distortion control

negative:

comment:

best uwa i have had very sharp ca, flare and colour could be better

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: stevo71   review date: March-30-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6

price paid:

620 AUD (new)

positive:

Fun
Sharp
Solid Build
f/2.8

negative:

Flare but not unexpected
Need to use slimline filters to avoid vignetting

comment:

Have only had this lens a couple of days but love it already.
This is a very fun lens I took it to my mates wildlife park and got some great shots of the animals with it. Also this is a great lens for indoor use with the wide aperture. This lens is also super sharp. I haven't noticed much CA as other people have complained about in fact the Sigma 10-20mm was much worse in this area. This lens is also built like a tank and is easily the most solid in my collection. As others have said the distortion is very easily fixed in post (that's if you want to). The only negative so far is the CPL filter I purchased with it causes major vignetting in the corners therefore a slimline filter will be required.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: homeranger   review date: February-01-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

N/A

price paid:

650 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp.
Quality build.
Great color.
Wide aperture.

negative:

Not crazy about the MF-pull-ring. Just a personal preference.

comment:

A great lens that deserves all of the high praise it gets. I love using this lens. It's perfect for landscapes and interior real estate photos. Highly recommend this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: ecsh   review date: December-01-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 11-18

price paid:

500.00

positive:

Built like a tank. Feels really balanced on my A77.
Very sharp at 2.8 on almost the entire frame.

negative:

Keep sun out of frame and you will have no flare as wides are prone to do.

comment:

I had some reservations about ordering this lens. After trying the Sony version and Minolta version, which i really did not care for, i was going to take a pass. But, i needed the wide angle. I am glad i did as the copy i have is very sharp from the center to almost the edge, where it only is a little soft, but you have to look for it. Very happy with this lens especially when compared to the other copies i have had. Its a keeper.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Simao   review date: November-17-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

450 GBP

positive:

Easily corrected distortion, build

negative:

Flare

comment:

This is a very nice UWA lens that I came to like, photos are sharp. However, its main problem as expected with an UWA is flare control; any light source means a large possibility of ruining the shot.

The lens causes a distortion that can be corrected quite well in pp. the large aperture size which is at least one stop faster than most competition which gives it an advantage in night photography.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: MarcinJ13   review date: October-25-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

620 EUR (new)

positive:

Sharp
Build
Normal filters (no gelating/internal s**t)

negative:

Zoom not needed
Conversion from Nikon/Canon - MF method

comment:

I have chosen this lens for various reasons. I needed wide lens for some outdoor photography, but wanted one that would work nicely indor for family gatherings etc.

So for outdoor use I wanted it to accept screw on filters (not internal, back or gelatin ones). For shots indoor where lighting conditions might vary I needed a bright lens, and tokina has advantage here in comparison to Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5.

It is great lens. I gave 5 stars in most categories. Distortion exists but it is expected from wide angle and easily correctable. Flare also is something I expect and unlike some others I actually like it in some situations.

I have two negative comments: This is such wide angle that the zoom is not really needed. Same effect can be obtained by making one step forward. It would be better to have the similar design of 11mm/ 2.8 prime lens.

Second is the fact that Tokina just changed the mount from Canon/Nikon lens. As such there is awkward switch AF/MF that does not work with Sony (at least sont A700). I still have to change it on camera body. So now I have to do it in two places: on camera and pull the ring on lens.

Not having zoom and MF-pull-ring would make lens smaller, chaper and probably better quality.

Having said that I am very pleased with the quality of the lens as it is. It is sharp, bright and build like a tank.

I didn't like the colors produced, but I gave 5 stars for color rating, as it is very personal prefference and I know my color reception is slightly off in comparison to other people.

Overally I strongly recommend this lens and consider it the best available at the moment. If tokina would make prime lens 10mm or 11mm I would replace AT-X116 immediately, but untill then I will keep it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: fijnefotografie   review date: June-24-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

350 EURO second hand

positive:

- sharpness
- color matches Minolta glass

negative:

- Flare control is not very good, but as expected with an UWA lens

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Juan Miguel   review date: March-04-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Very sharp
Build
f.2.8

negative:

Only 11.16

comment:

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: SLT   review date: March-03-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

625(new)

positive:

Builts like a vault
Wide aperture
Nice handling

negative:

Weight

comment:

My favorite lens so far, loved it from the first day i got it

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: lifeispixels   review date: February-27-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5
Tokina 17mm f3.5 PRO
Tokina 19-35mm f3.5-4.5
Tokina 20-35mm f2.8 PRO

positive:

- Sharpest corner to corner among APSC UWA lens
- Excellent built
- Excellent Tokina color rendition
- works with A850 full frame!!
- Sharpness at f2.8 is extremely useful.

negative:

- MFD could be improved
- some flare & ghost
- 11-16 is a tad too short.
- Tokina's usual CA.

comment:

If sharpness is your number 1 concern, this Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 can deliver and it's the sharpest among UWA lens currently available for APSC cameras.

The sharpness in the center is usable from f2.8. I shot a lot of photos in low light so you can check my sample images on the flickr link below, or in Dyxum sample gallery.

CA is there but not too bad and easily corrected in post processing with lens profile. Distortion is simple curve and easily corrected too. Flare at night doesn't look bad but watch out ghosts when the light source hit the lens already. Colors rendition is excellent. Build quality is superb so no need to mention if you have used Tokina lens before, you will know it's one of the best in the industry.

11-16mm range is a bit too short and like people suggested, it's better to think of this lens as a prime and work with that mindset accordingly. You will not have the convenience of zoom lens here and if you expect so before you buy, you will be disappointed.

Extra bonus! I found this lens works perfectly at 16mm with A850 full frame! (with hood and filter on). Without hood and filter, you can go at much as 15mm. Normally A850 will automatically crops the image if Sony APSC lens is mounted. Good news is it doesn't crop automatically with 3rd party lens

Kurtmunger mentioned the problem with autofocus as a deal breaker, but my copy is problem-free and doesn't even need micro adjustment. I believe Tokina may have sorted out the problem already with the latest production batch.

In summary, a thoroughly enjoyable experience with this lens. When I need UWA lens for my A77, I always reach for this one and can expect professional results. I used to mount this lens on A850 occasionally and it has worked well, until I got Tokina 17mm f3.5 to replace that duty.

See my photos with Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 PRO on my Flickr collection at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeispixels/collections/72157628204412995/

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: My December   review date: February-17-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
- Sony Carl Zeiss T* 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM

price paid:

1800 MYR (Used)

positive:

- Tough build
- Brilliant sharpness (for an ultra-wide)
- f/2.8

negative:

- No fast/silent motor
- Ugly blue fringing (yes, blue)
- Quite limited zoom range
- Needs two steps for MF (on lens and body)

comment:

I LOVE this lens ever since I lay my hands on it for the first time (from a friend). I knew this would be my UWA even though there's a lot of other options of UWAs out there.

This is the only UWA lens I currently have (well.. I have the 16-35mm ZA, but I'm using APSC body. Besides, how many UWA does a photog needs anyway). It is sharp enough at f/2.8, and at f/4 and above it gives just the sharpness that I need (though it is never as sharp as the 16-35mm ZA).

A very tough tank-like build. I accidentally bumped the lens body a couple of times, not even a scratch. Really suitable for heavy and abusive usage.
Distortion is quite heavy, especially at 11mm.. but it is expected from an UWA. From the first day I've got the lens, I've been using it for almost everything! Portraits, landscapes, events, even sports. People hates the distortion of an UWA and so they avoid such lens, but it really is just about your framing and composition.

One thing that I dislike about the lens is the heavy and ugly CA. It gives blue fringing at any f stops that you use. Not really that noticeable if you don't pixel peep, but when you crop your pics, you can start to see them.

Lastly, it only uses screw-driven motor. Not that much of a problem for stills, but it can be useful for AF videos (I'm using an A77). The AF/MF clutch concept is not that efficient too. I have to switch to MF in both lens and camera body for be able to use manual focus.

All in all, a great performing lens.. but I might let go of it once I got a FF body. Can't wait for FF + 16-35mm ZA.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: sonicx   review date: February-16-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 16-50mm 2,8

price paid:

580 EUR (new)

positive:

Focus speed
Aperture speed

negative:

none so far

comment:

Great lens, super sharp, build solid. The distortion is for an ultra wide angle lens quite good and over all okay (quite heavy at 11mm). The lens flare is much better then the one from the Sony 16-50mm 2,8.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: HiDesert   review date: December-06-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20 F4-F5.6

positive:

Sharp
Well built

negative:

Less zoom range than any other ultrawide

comment:

I love this lens. I do a lot of landscape shooting, and so I've wanted an ultrawide for a while. Well, I read and read and researched and read and researched and read, and finally decided that the folks who said "the less zoom range, the better the IQ" were probably right. So I took the plunge and bought this Tokina. I love it (did I say that already?). It's sharp, I've never seen it flare, it's well built, the hood fits in my backpack and Slingshot 102AW... Yes, I wish it had the range of Tamron's 10-24, but I wouldn't change one iota of this lenses image quality for more zoom range. Some people say it's basically a prime, because it has such a small zoom range. Well, I don't buy that line of reasoning. I use it most at 11mm, sure, but I do find myself zooming "all the way out" :P to 16mm more than I expected to. And it's sharp enough that cropping down to about what you'd get from a 24mm is very possible. This is a great lens, period.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Manix   review date: November-30-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

don't have anything that wide except sal 16-80 cz - but , that is completly different lens...

price paid:

650 AUD (new)

positive:

this is how you make a good lens
It is like a prime lens with its short range
like the sharpnes a lot - even wide open
colours are bit different that sony ones - more cold - blue , but I like that
did I already told you that I love that build quality ?

negative:

so - if you don't want any CA , don't buy it , otherwise it is a perfect little gem !

comment:

have try it on full frame just for fun at 16 mm , and camera and lens didn't like each other ( lots of CA , sharpness just not there - well, I didn't adjust it so that is more or less mine fault , and vignette of course - but if you remove filter , that almost dissapears ! ).
all in all I highly recommend this lens if you like primes ( see comment about it ) and wide angle and you want to learn how to compose with it !

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Snegren   review date: November-15-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

SAL1650F2.8

price paid:

580 EUR (new)

positive:

2.8 all the way
Built like a tank
Great feel to zoom and focus rings
Great FF 16 mm prime

negative:

Filter size
HEAVY
Manual focuss by pulling back the focus ring doesn't work, you have to press MF on the camera also

comment:

At 11 mm you have to watch your feet! This not so little beauty changed my outlook on photography. Stellar performance at the wide end (but that is why you buy it). At 16 mm you can do (a bit) better (otherwise sharpness 5). A the low end the SAL1650F2.8 is better than the ATX116F2.8 at the long end. Great contrast and colour. I have seen reviews with complaints about nasty CA but have not managed to generate CA that cannot be fixed in Lightroom or is for pixel peeping. Very sensitive to flaring if used carelessly and flaring can be ugly, but all the UWA lenses suffer from flare and I have managed to obtain some quite artistic flare effects at night. Works really well as 16 mm prime of FF without vignetting (at 11 mm you are looking though a tunnel though as expected!)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: boyzone   review date: October-28-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

645 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp

negative:

11-16

comment:

I use this UWA for portrait as manage to serve me with sharp image. Worth to invest.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: eLCee   review date: August-10-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Tokina AT-X 17 AF 17mm F3.5
- Sony AF DT 18-55 F3.5-5.6 SAM SAL1855

price paid:

660€ new + filters

positive:

- solid build
- sharp
- fast
- internal focus & zoom
- focus ring lockable

negative:

- MFD (althoug 300mm is no big deal)
- screw driven AF (again no big deal unless you want a wide angle lens for filming)

comment:

I have been looking at a wide angle zoom for quite a while. The Tokinas "rivals" were the "Sigma - 10-20 F3.5 EX DC HSM" and the "Tamron - SP AF 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical IF".
Yesterday i had a chance to try the Sigma (on a Nikon body) & the Tokina (Sony version). Both performed well, while i liked the HSM and longer range of the Sigma i chose the Tokina for the faster aperture (and in fact the much better price, plus i got a set of Hoya filters for this lens and the Tamron 70-300 i bought).
While the lens has a noticeable distortions it is much less than the "Tokina AT-X 17 AF 17mm F3.5" (on APS) and the "SAL1855" (@18mm).
The build quality of the Tokina feels very good, the internal zoom and focusing improves this impression. The size is about the same like the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 (or the Minolta 28-75 f2.8), the lens cap is much larger (this was exspected of course).
I had no problems with the AF accuracy with the shots i took so far.

I will write something more when i had some more time to play with this lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: nicols   review date: June-30-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 10-24

price paid:

550GBP (New)

positive:

Sharp Wide Open
Fast at f2.8 constant
Built like a tank

negative:

11-16 is a limited range for a zoom
AF issues
Old Design with Screwdrive
Flares quite badly

comment:

A quirky lens, probably the quirkiest I own. The design is build is solid but for a new lens its uses an old screwdrive motor. AF can be a little unreliable, with focussing at infinity problematic for a number of users - some also seem to find it focuses better from close up to infinity than vice versa - I always put my hand up close to bring the focus back before I focus on a distant object for that reason (and my hit rate for focussing does seem to have improved a bit). And if you so much as catch a hint of the sun, it flares up.

So given the above, why would you want this lens? Because it us SHARP and Fast.. even wide open its super sharp in the centre and the corners are acceptable.. stop it down to around 5.6 and its eye-bleedingly sharp from corner to corner - much more so than any other Ultra Wide Angle I've read about or used. For that reason, I've sold my other UWA lens and take this one with me almost everywhere, just in case I feel the urge to get that unique UWA look. Not a lens for everyone, but I've fallen in love with mine.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: the_fat_zebra   review date: June-14-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

599 EUR (new)

positive:

- F2.8
- Good build
- Very sharp
- Good colors
- Fast autofocus
- I see no CA problems

negative:

- Prone to flare

comment:

I have long pondered whether or not to get this lense, and was considering mainly the Tamron 10-24 for its range and lower price, and also the sigma for the 8mm widest angle. In the end I went for this one because of excellent reviews and the f2.8; and I am really happy that I did. It is truly an excellent lens:
- Sharpness: I was amazed by how sharp this lens is, it is truly very nice.
- Distortion: easily fixed, if you would want that. I find I sometimes want the distortion for the effect it gives.
- Focus distance: This is not always as close as one might want, given the need of UWA's to get up close and personal. However, it is not thát bad either, and my overall estimate is that you can focus at about 15 centimeters (1/2 foot), which is actually less than the advertised 1 foot focus distance.
- Range: I find myself using both the 16 and 11 ranges and everything in between, mostly when I want to get rid of some clutter or to help farme the shot. 11 is used mostly and certainly wide enough for what I want.
- Manual focus: I still have to use the on-camera switch to use manual focus, which is not really a big deal.
- F-Stop: The F2.8 has already given me many handheld shots at shutter speeds and iso's I would usually not be able to get, so I am very happy with that.
- CA: There are some complaints on the net about nasty CA, but I really have not noticed that at all.
- Flare: There is indeed some flaring, but now that I come to think of it I will do some tests without the Hoya filter and see whether that makes it better. Also, I still have to learn how to use this lens properly.
- Focus: I also found this lens to be very fast on the autofocus when tested inside dimly lit pubs and religious venues. for example, I find it beats my 28-75 tamron on all counts except flare...
- Hood: The lens hood is not loose as some reviewers say: it means they have not yet figured out the click system. I also thought the hood was loose until I forced it a bit (I ruined some shots where the hood appeared in the image), and when you turn it a bit harder it clicks shut and does not move at all.
- Build The build is nice, and I can't say I find it too heavy. It balances well on my A230, which is a very small cam in itself. This lens makes my modest A230 feel like an advanced amateur instead of a crippled piece of plastic - As they say, better spend €€€ on good class and buy a cheap body rather than vice versa.

Overall: maybe I just have an extraordinary copy of this lens, or maybe it just rules, but I am really, really happy with my purchase. I love wide angle shooting, and this has opened up a new world with a lens which I will enjoy for years to come. The price was a bit steep, but me and this tokina will grow old together and its quality will pay itself back over time :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: wayno   review date: June-04-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma, Sony.

price paid:

590 AU

positive:

The quality of the images it produces, which is what it attached to the camera for in the first place.

negative:

None, Nil, Zero

comment:

Just buy it. The f/2.8 gives this an edge enough, and this lens will not disappoint you, no matter how picky you are. I would buy it again.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: A100 Matt   review date: April-16-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Sony 18-200 f3.5-6.3
Sony 16/2.8 Pancake (E-Mount)

price paid:

Around 500 GBP

positive:

Constant f2.8
Lockable focus ring
Great build quality

negative:

Purple fringing
Flare control
Limited range (not a big deal)

comment:

If you want a wide angle lens for your APS-C Sony DLSR, I whole-heartedly recommend the Tokina 11-16. As others have said, the limited range really isn't a big deal, as 99% of the time you'll have it set to 11mm. Sometimes I wish it was a little bit wider, but not often. 11mm is wide enough for most things (16.5mm equivalent).

The lockable focus ring is great - I like to set the hyperfocal distance in MF and lock the focus ring. It makes a great tool for street photography because the hyperfocal distance is so close, and you basically get rid of the need to focus - you just press the shutter and get an instant snapshot.

Build quality in general is very good (which is something Tokina are known for). The lens feels like a quality product, and includes a metal mount, flock-lined lens hood, and focus distance window. The lens cap sometimes isn't the easiest to attach, due to a somewhat shallow finger grip, but this is easily changed for an alternate if you want.

Flare control is not so great, and the lens sometimes leaves a weird rainbow streak in my shots. I don't generally use it with a filter, but I often neglect to use the lens hood. Purple fringing is also not so great, although at least you can remedy this in post processing. Sharpness is great (for a wide angle). The sharpness didn't set my world on fire (I'm too used to the 85ZA), but it is more than fine for a lens of this focal length - probably the best I've seen in this class. Constant f2.8 is always nice, and activates the extra focus sensor on certain cameras.

All in all, unless you want something wider or cheaper, this lens should really be a no-brainer for APS-C cameras. Try it - a wide angle will change your photography.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: ratboy   review date: March-07-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 17-70 DC OS HSM
Sony 35/f1.8
Tamron 17-50/f2.8

price paid:

430 GBP (new)

positive:

Sharp
No rotating external parts when autofocusing
Solid build
Consistent performance across the range

negative:

Reports as 20mm f2.8 in the EXIF
Autofocusing isn't it's strong point

comment:

Excellent lens and very happy with my purchase. I purchased this lens on the assumption that a smaller range would mean it had more consistent performance across that range. This is certainly true of this one. It is sharp and focuses ok, although I've found it to be a little bit inaccurate in low light conditions. There is some CA in high contrast situations but nothing disastrous. Good low light performance although edges can be a little soft at f2.8.

PS Retracted comment about the slightly loose lens hood. It does click into place.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: svendf   review date: February-07-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC
Sigma 20mm 1.8 EX DG

price paid:

515 Euro(new)

positive:

Fast
Sharp
Good built

negative:

Long MFD
Wish it was a 10-20mm like the Sigma

comment:

I was forced to sell my Sigma 20mm 1.8 EX DG and the Sigma 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC when I bought the A55 due to the aperture problem with the Sigma's so I bought this one to replace both.

It's good lens but I hate the fact that Tokina doesn't make lenses with really short MFD's like Sigma does and which I like.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Effstop   review date: February-07-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

405 GBP (new)

positive:

Great build quality, smooth & tight manual focus & zoom, sharp and colourful

negative:

AF/MF push-pull clutch on focus wheel only engages/disengages the focus wheel from the focusing mechanism on the a55, for Auto/Manual switching you have to use the AF/MF switch on the camera body (no big deal). For some reason the EXIF data for this lens IDs it as a Minolta AF 20mm f2.8???

comment:

My first ultra-wide and very impressed with the quality - build & image. Chosen over the Sigma 10-20 due to the Tokina having constant f2.8. Big glass means big (read: expensive) filters, but that's the price you pay for 2.8 speed. It's heavy, but that just adds to the class feel of the beast. Only used it in daylight so far as I've only had it a couple of days but from what I've seen so far, this one's a keeper. The EXIF ID data stuff-up is mildly annoying but something I can live with as the focal length & aperture used output correctly.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Sharpeye   review date: January-24-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20/4-5.6
Sony 16-105/3.5-5.6

price paid:

660eur

positive:

sharp, fast, build, F2.8

negative:

limited range, CA, price

comment:

Replaced my ex sigma 10-20/4-5.6 with this one. This Tokina wide angle lens is very sharp, from F5 is really good, from center to corner, with excellent results at F8 across the range. Wide open is sharp at center, but corners are not.
Just 11-16mm range is somewhat limited, but i use it 95% at its widest,so it's not a big deal.
I've noticed it has some bad CA in some high contrast scene...but this can be solved in post processing.
Build quality is superb.
Overall, great lens if range is not issue,very sharp from F4.. but prone to some nasty CA

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: nortonj1   review date: December-06-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

549 USD (new)

positive:

negative:

Only negative for me is that it is not a full frame lens

comment:

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: habby   review date: October-19-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 11-18
Sigma 12-24

price paid:

600 USD (new)

positive:

Sharpness on 2.8
Build

negative:

nothing

comment:

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Basil   review date: September-07-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 16-50 2.8

price paid:

$630 USD

positive:

Fast, sharp and fun to use
Solid build
Distortion nicely controlled

negative:

Somewhat prone to flare...need to watch the sun when framing shot

comment:

I had a chance to put this lens through its paces on a recent trip to Washington DC. It was an excellent compliment to the Tamron 16-50 2.8. They made a great walk-around pair for seeing the sights (both indoors and out).

This lens made shooting inside the Air and Space museums a breeze. Having a fast speed really helps when shooting handheld indoors. The range allowed me to easily fit planes into the frame from only a few feet away, which really helps in crowded spaces. It also made for some interesting perspectives on the monuments and memorials throughout town.

Shooting outdoors in bright sunlight was more of a challenge than with the Tamron. The petal hood helps control flare, but it was still fairly easy to induce if the sun was in the frame. This isn't unusual for a lens of this type. You just need to be careful when setting up your shots. The same holds true with distortion. This lens controls it nicely, but distortion is still a byproduct of an ultrawide. You need to watch the edges of the frame and realize the effect it will have on your shot.

Overall, I am very pleased with this lens. It feels solid in my hand and balances nicely on my A700. While not the cheapest ultrawide available, the combination of speed, sharpness and distortion control make it a relative bargain. Like any ultrawide zoom, it's a specialty lens that has its distinct uses. But if you are considering adding an ultrawide to your bag, this isn't a bad choice at all.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: July-10-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

10-20 slow one
10-20 less slow one
12-24
16-35

price paid:

500 UK

positive:

Nice size and shape
Manual focus can be locked easily
Sharp for a wide
Neutral colour
Natural contrast levels
Excellent distortion control
Fair price
f/2.8 !!!!!!!

negative:

Could be even sharper.
Hood not secure enough.

comment:

It's a better lens than the SIgma 10-20 (either version) in every way. Definitely better colours and sharpness at wide apertures.
Flares control is great.
AWB on A700 is flawless.
The focus ring can be 'locked out' to manual leaving the ring disconnected and free spinning - means for paparazzi work you do not need to tape up the lens.
At f/2.8 it is surprisingly sharp, and doesn't vignette much at all.

Build is pretty much flawless, a good compromise between tough and lightweight. Unfortunately I lost the hood on day one, like many lenses the fit is not secure enough.

Ultra-Wide Angle bottom line: If you have a full frame camera then use the 12-24 Sigma. If you have a crop sensor camera then this Tokina is the hot ticket. 16-35 is better built than either and better wide open but just not in the same wideangle class.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: shamb   review date: June-28-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

550 GBP (new)

positive:

Constant f2.8 makes it faster than its competitors.
Any aberations are linear, so easy to fix in LR/PS (this is NOT the case with sigma and sony wides!)

negative:

APS-C only.
Needs a 77mm low profile filter, making the expensive Hoyas your only bet.
Zoom ring is loose, so you have to constantly make sure it hasn't moved.

comment:

Bottom line: Everyone needs a superwide angle lens, you just don't know it until you look down one and see the creative possibilities!

Dont let the low 11-16 range put you off; you will rarely move it beyond 11mm.

V fast autofocus and generally perfect operation (tested with Sony a200).

Easy to capture flare, so you need the hood on or a polariser.

Sample image (11mm, cropped):
http://howgreenisyourgarden.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/dsc02863.jpg

Ive written a full review (complete with 'box opening' images) at
http://howgreenisyourgarden.wordpress.com/2010/06/20/review-tokina-11-16mm-sony-alpha-fit/

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Blackriver   review date: May-28-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 12-24mm.
Sony 18-250mm

price paid:

599

positive:

Build, sharp, f/2.8, color, accurate AF.

negative:

DT lens. 11-16mm zoom so limited may as well have been an 11mm prime.

comment:

Ratings take into account the type of lens it is. Obviously it's not as sharp as a 50mm prime for example but I rated it a "5" because I cannot reasonably expect it to be any sharper based on other lenses in it's class. I would have given 4.5 for build.

My only negatives for this lens are things that cannot be helped. Such as the large hood makes it difficult to pack, and the large 77m filter size makes buying filters extra pricey. Has a slight tendency toward over exposure in very bright situations when shooting in larger apertures.(probably to be expected).

Aside from that I have no problem saying this is currently the best ultra wide option for APS-C Sony mount's at any price.

Sturdy build with nice balance. Both the focus and zoom rings are smooth with nice resistance allowing for precise manual operation if needed. No gravelly felling at all to the focus ring. Also, neither ring is a lint magnet like most Sony's.

The sharpness is outstanding for such a wide lens. Colors are very true and rich (with Sony A330). Sky's are particularly smooth with very rich colors (a great quality for a lens suited for landscapes).

The f/2.8 seems very usable with regard to distortion and sharpness. I'm sure the f/2.8 which is rare for ultra wide lenses will be a huge help for future indoor shooting. I can see some nice opportunities with this lens next time I shoot a church wedding for example.

I like the AF/MF clutch. I like the fact that it does not circumvent the camera's setting. All my other lenses the setting on the lens takes precedence over the setting on the camera. The Tokina is the opposite which I prefer. Reason being every lens has the AF/MF switch in a slightly different position. It's always in the same spot on the camera so I figure this one should be the primary.

I've read that in the past Tokina lenses did not attach easily. In fact I read several accounts from Canon and Nikon users that sited difficulty attaching the lens as the only down side. I'm happy to report that there are no such issues with the A-mount. Attaches easily and sits very snugly with very minimal play.

Both chromatic aberration and barrel distortion are well within expected and acceptable levels.

The felt on the inside of the included petal hood is (as usual) a total lint magnet. Matting tape works perfectly to remove the lint without leaving a residue.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Tomodo   review date: May-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6

price paid:

500 GBP

positive:

Great build
Unique speed+range combination
Sharp from f2.8

negative:

Limited zoom range

comment:

This seemed like the ideal choice to replace my Sigma 10-20mm, which I found was too limiting when doing my low light, live music work.

While the range is not as useful as the Sigma, the constant f2.8 and overall great image and build quality make it worth it.

The range is limited but it still gives an approx. 16-24mm view in full frame terms. (note this isn't a full-frame lens)

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: terrylloydsmith   review date: May-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta/Sony/Tamron 11-18/4.5-5.6

price paid:

$600 US

positive:

Pro Build
Sharp and Fast

negative:

Limited zoom range

comment:

This is a sharp, well built lens. Much better than the Minolta/Sony/Tamron 11-18mm/4.5-5.6. The pictures are well exposed, very sharp (even wide open @ f2.8) and contrasty. I'm glad I bought it.